Abstract

Iranian soldiers were attacked with chemical bombs, rockets and artillery shells 387
times during the 8-years war by Iraq (1980–1988). More than 1,000 tons of sulfur mustard
gas was used in the battlefields by the Iraqis against Iranian people. A high rate
of morbidities occurred as the result of these attacks. This study aimed to evaluate
the delayed toxic effects of sulfur mustard gas on Iranian victims. During a systematic
search, a total of 193 (109 more relevant to the main aim) articles on sulfur mustard
gas were reviewed using known international and national databases. No special evaluation
was conducted on the quality of the articles and their publication in accredited journals
was considered sufficient. High rate of morbidities as the result of chemical attacks
by sulfur mustard among Iranian people occurred. Iranian researchers found a numerous
late complications among the victims which we be listed as wide range of respiratory,
ocular, dermatological, psychological, hematological, immunological, gastrointestinal
and endocrine complications, all influenced the quality of life of exposed victims.
The mortality rate due to this agent was 3%. Although, mortality rate induced by sulfur
mustard among Iranian people was low, variety and chronicity of toxic effects and
complications of this chemical agent were dramatic.